Daily
Ocala
Thursday, October 2nd, 2025
Good morning, Ocala. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 2nd of October.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ National Newspaper Week will be held Oct. 5-11 to celebrate local journalism that keeps our community informed – local papers help residents learn about government decisions and encourage voter participation. Ocala Gazette
- ➤ Woof-o-ween will be held at the Ocala Downtown Market — located at 403 SE Osceola Ave — this Sunday, October 5, from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m., where dogs and their owners can enjoy a costume contest, trick-or-treat stations, local vendors, food trucks, and games for all ages. Ocala-News
- ➤ More than 3,000 domestic violence cases are reported each year and 154 homicides have been tracked since 1997—three occurred this year, according to the Family Violence Prevention work group. The group will host the Wear Your Wings 5K Fun Run/Walk on Oct. 11 at College of Central Florida, with registration beginning at 7 a.m., a pre-race celebration at 7:30 a.m., and the run starting at 8 a.m., offering shirts to the first 150 registrants and medals to the first 150 finishers. Ocala Gazette
- ➤ Marion County held a ribbon-cutting event this week to open Reddick Park, the town's first public park built eight months after breaking ground on a former Sheriff's substation site—costing about $450,000 funded by the town and county. The park has a playground, bathrooms, an open multi-use space and parking spaces—providing a new space for local residents. Ocala-News
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Retired Circuit Judge Sandra Champ’s daughter Alea Stephens was sworn in as a lawyer by County Judge LeeAnn Mackey-Barnes at the Marion County Judicial Center on Sept. 30—she now works in the Attorney General’s Office in Tampa’s criminal division. Ocala StarBanner
- ➤ Florida's new open carry gun law went into effect last week and gives residents the right to carry firearms in public. Local leaders and community members urge everyone to act responsibly as parents, business owners, and neighbors may feel uneasy when they see a gun. Ocala Gazette
- ➤ Governor Ron DeSantis appointed former North Central Florida lawmaker Bobby Payne to the Public Service Commission on Wednesday — his new role will oversee utilities like FPL and Duke Energy and he will start on Jan. 2 if state senators confirm him. Payne served in the Florida House representing parts of Putnam and Marion County until last year. WCJB
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Florida Gators coach Billy Napier said that six players, including running back Ja'Kobi Jackson who has 98 rushing yards, will miss Saturday’s game against Texas as reported on Oct 1 — while he confirmed that three wide receivers remain healthy. Ocala StarBanner
- ➤ Marion County high school football is seven weeks in and fans are asked to vote for the player of the year until Monday, October 6 at 7 p.m.—the list features talents like Tony Tanner and Terrance Lewis who have stood out this season. Ocala StarBanner
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Grand Prix Dining Experience
6:30-9 p.m. — World Equestrian Center - Ocala — Table pricing from $500 — Indulge in a three-course meal while enjoying top-level equestrian sport under the lights.
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Back to the 80's: Dance Fitness Party
1-5 p.m. — Paddock Mall — Donation-based entry — Get your groove on while raising awareness and funds for breast cancer prevention.
No new real estate listings today. You can submit one here.
No new job posts today. You can submit one here.
No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
You do not rise to the level of your goals. You fall to the level of your systems.
~ James Clear
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